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Philippe Coutinho and co have taken the somewhat unwanted mantle (Image: REUTERS)

Emre Can brands Liverpool 'stupid' for Palace defeat

Emre Can has branded Liverpool "stupid" for jeopardising their Champions' League hopes.

But the German midfielder is adamant his team can atone for their dismal error against Crystal Palace that has blown the top four race wide open, with a perfect end to their campaign.

And that, the midfielder insisted, will still deliver a place at Europe's high table next season, despite their slip up that means they are now reliant on one of the two Manchester clubs slipping up to guarantee a place in the top four.

"It was stupid from us," Can said of the Anfield defeat by Palace. "But we have got to go again and it is still in our hands. If we win the last four games, we will reach the Champions League. That has to be the target. It has to be."

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Emre Can is not happy with Liverpool's latest setback (Image: Rex Features)

Jamie Carragher: Liverpool are now in a big fight with Man United, City and Arsenal for the top four

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool's latest defeat has left them facing a "big fight" to finish in the top four.

Jurgen Klopp's side are third in the table on 66 points, but if Manchester City (third) and United (fourth) win their games in hand they will move above the Reds.

Former Liverpool frontman Christian Benteke scored twice at Anfield as the hosts blew their lead and lost 2-1. And Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports , said the result will have given Arsenal, United and City motivation for the run-in.

"I think Liverpool are in a big fight now," said Carragher. "Manchester United, [Manchester] City, Arsenal are all in there. Before today, I fancied it would be Man City and Liverpool to make those spots their own, especially with the fixtures.